Patient Services Technician

About the role

Patient Services Technician under the direction of the area supervisor performs daily patient service activities of the Patient Services Center (PSC) or In-office Patient Services Technician (PST) accurately and on time. The person in this position interacts with the client, patients, and other PathGroup personnel in a professional and courteous manner and performs with confidence, both the forensic and clinical specimen collection and processing duties following established practices and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Greets customers appropriately and treats all customers in a courteous manner
• Ensures all field phlebotomy and PSC specimens are collected accurately and on time
• Collects specimens according to established procedures
• Properly explains in a clear but courteous manner the process of venipuncture (blood drawing) and/or other specimen collection (e.g., urine or fecal) as required
• Reduces patient anxiety by providing a calm environment for patients before, during, and after the collection process
• Disposes of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies
• Disposes of contaminated sharps in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies
• Completes requisitions accurately in PathConnect and/or other PathGroup computer applications
• Enters patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer with attention to detail to maintain high level of accuracy
• Communicates with clients to confirm handwritten orders, verify test(s) ordered, and obtain accurate billing information (diagnosis codes, UPIN information, etc.)
• Researches test/client information utilizing lab computer system
• Matches laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes
• Labels, centrifuges, splits, and freezes specimens as required by test order
• Packages specimens for transport; stores specimen samples according to required temperature, places samples in appropriate collection container/tube, accurately labels, follows different procedures as outlined by protocol deemed necessary for transport to maintain integrity of the specimen
• Demonstrates proficiency of proper collection methods and proper processing of all specimens
• Maintains required records and documentation
• Maintains daily records and all appropriate PSC/IOPST Patient Services Technician logs
• Assists with compilation of monthly statistics and data
• Performs basic clerical duties (filing, faxing, preparing mail) and electronic data entry
• Approves time in attendance software by noon on the Monday following the end of the pay period
• Submits accurate expense and travel logs Monday for the week prior or as directed by management
• Demonstrates organizational commitment
• Adheres to departmental and company code of grooming, dress code, and lab coat policies, appearing neat and clean at all times
• Utilizes time appropriately; capable of maintaining fluctuating patient flow
• Displays courteous and professional behavior to clients, patients, and co-workers
• Communicates with co-workers and clients in a way that promotes a harmonious and cooperative working environment
• Answers the telephone in a friendly and helpful manner, incorporating the company name, self-identification, and a helpful statement
• Performs duties in an independent manner
• Communicates pertinent information/issues to supervisor, manager, or group leader for resolution
• Contributes to a positive work climate and to the team effort of the department and company
• Ensures facilities are neat, clean, and in good repair; takes appropriate action to advise Group Leader or Supervisor of required repairs and maintenance
• Assists with periodic inventory counts; reports shortages and problems to group leader or supervisor as they occur
• Utilizes proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to ensure patient and personal safety
• Exercises all laboratory safety precautions and adheres to lab procedures as stated in procedure manuals
• Performs all job responsibilities in alignment with industry's best security practices and regulatory guidelines to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information and other sensitive company data
• Must be familiar with and abide by the Corporate Compliance Program and all Corporate policies, including the Privacy and Security policies

Additional responsibilities

• Works with other departments within PathGroup and subsidiaries
• Other duties as assigned